EPA To Provide Nearly $2 Million to Revitalize U.S. Urban Waters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will provide up to $1.8 million for projects across the country to protect Americans’ health and help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization.

The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. Urban waters are canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays and oceans.

Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance educational, recreational, employment and social opportunities in nearby communities. By promoting public access to urban waterways, EPA will help communities become active participants in restoration and protection.

The goal of EPA’s urban waters small grants is to fund projects, training and research that will advance restoration of urban waters by improving water quality and community access. These activities will also support community revitalization and improving public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents. Examples of projects eligible for funding may include:

1. Education and training for water quality improvement or green infrastructure jobs;

2. Public education about ways to reduce water pollution;

3. Local water quality monitoring programs;

4. Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop local watershed plans; and

5. Innovative projects that promote local water quality and community revitalization goals.

Funding proposals must be received by EPA by Jan. 23, 2012. EPA will hold two web-based seminars on this funding opportunity on Dec. 14, 2011, and Jan. 5, 2012. EPA expects to award the grants in summer 2012.